We all know the story of Monse and Cesar. We know the backstory of these best friends turned lovers...well, part of it. The tip of the iceberg if you will. What if I told you that the beginning of their full story started way before any quince death...
"After weeks of meticulous planning, rehearsal and a generous donation from Molena's dangerous lover," Ruby nodded to Molena who rolled her eyes, "I'm happy to announce that the planning is officially done. I need you all to be on time tomorrow night, dressed, pressed and ready. Got it?"
Molena, Monse and Cesar collectively groaned their agreement.
"And bring your enthusiasm tomorrow please, y'all are not gonna ruin this night for Olivia."
"Ruby, shut up. We all know how to have a good time except you apparently." Monse grumbled
"Where's Jamal anyway? Shouldn't he have to hear this too?" Molena asked Ruby
The kids all exchanged nervous glances.
"He's...visiting his tío in the hospital." Ruby thought up something quickly. "We went over this already. Anyway, are you still gonna do Olivia's hair and makeup? Because it would make things a lot easier if you just spent the night tonight."
"Spend the night? Where Ruby there's no room."
"You and Monse can take the couch. That way we don't have to wait for you to oversleep and get here late."
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Molena furrowed her brows and leaned over to whisper in Monse's ear. "Does planning this give him the rights to this attitude or should I pop him in the mouth for talking shit?"
"I think that's what he needs most right now." Monse whispered back
"Enough with the chit chat! Everybody get your things together. I expect you all to be prepared." He clapped his hands twice and walked out of the room, answering a call on his earpiece.
"Well I'm going home. If we're spending the night there's some stuff I have to pick up. I'll bring your dress and makeup too Lena." Monse got up and made her way to the door.
"Thanks Mon you're a lifesaver." She turned to Cesar who was still on the couch, staring at his hands.
"Don't worry, Ruby's getting to all of us." She knew that wasn't his problem but hopefully it would start a dialogue.
He looked up at her with a remorseful expression.
"I'm really sorry Lena."
She looked at him confused.
"The other night. Latrelle rolled up on us because of me. I put your sister in danger."
"Where you strapped?" She asked and he sighed, obviously disappointed in himself
"No I-"
"Then you didn't put her in any danger. You weren't the fool with the gun Cesar."
"Yea but maybe I should've been. It's my job now to help protect the block. I gotta be prepared, keep the people I love safe." Cesar looked at the spot where Monse sat.
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Molena didn't know what to do but look at the boy, shocked. He was so much like his brother, it was almost like Spooky was speaking through him.
"Cesar...you're a kid. You need to be a kid. Your childhood doesn't need to be influenced or interrupted by this shit. I know it seems like the norm, but blasting on somebody, snatches your childhood from under you so fast, it'll be a distant memory. Enjoy your adolescence because contrary to what you think, you have absolutely no responsibility."
He looked at Molena gratefully, his eyes welling up. "I just...I don't want to disappoint anybody. I don't wanna mess up."
Molena laughed "Why the fuck not? You're fourteen! Mess up all you want, because the older you get...the harder it is to clean up the mess." She kissed his forehead and left for the kitchen to help Mrs. Martinez finish the party food.
* * *
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After everything was wrapped up and prepared to bring to the venue. Molena texted Oscar to come pick her up from the Martinez house. She figured she needed a little break before the hectic atmosphere that the quince would bring.
"You got your dress and shit?" Oscar kept his eyes forward, hand on her thigh.
She looked at him and laughed, "Do you care?"
"Hell yea I care. I'm tryna make sure you ain't showin' too much." He sucked his teeth.
That just made her laugh even harder, and he couldn't but smile at the sound.
When they got back to his house and settled down in their normal position on the couch, she thought about how to bring Cesar up. She did what she would normally do when she had to talk to him about something and didnt know how to start. She stared at him until he noticed.
He of course pretended not to notice her unwavering gaze until she got annoyed and he always thought it was funny.
"Whatchu want mamas?" He finally turned to look at her, chuckling at the pout on her face.
"I wanna say something, but you can't get mad." He stopped smiling and nodded, giving her his full attention.
"I talked to Cesar today, he's freaking out."
He knitted his brows together but stayed silent so she could continue.
"I don't know what's going on and what you two do, but I don't question it, I never have. I just think you should to talk to him, let him know you're his big homie and his big brother. He feels like a failure, Oscar." She put her hand against his jaw and stroked his face with her thumb. "Just talk to him please, like a brother, not a Santo."
He sighed and took her hand, pulling her closer to him. He kissed her cheek a couple times and then her lip, lingering there a little longer.
